Just three things as we head into a new year.
- Christmas with my children was a lot of fun. It’s been great to have so much home time, some days doing things and other days playing {and fighting with your brother}. As much excitement as Christmas brings, I know that Maximus enjoys spending time with our families as much as he likes getting presents. He was so patient and didn’t ever ask when we were going to open presents. This year Maximus and Quinten got all kinds of great toys that both of them can play with. Eventually we probably won’t remember who got the toy, but we got enough of the same type of toy for both to play with the “same” thing. That helps keep the fighting a little less.
- With each new year I get a boost of excitement for goals and resolutions. I like the fresh feeling better than anything. There’s a new slate and I feel like I can take a deep breath before the year starts. However, I can’t help but be bummed that it’s so cold. I feel confined with my ideas. I need to figure out how to replicate this feeling again when it’s nice out.
We started the week off by purging our closets and donating clothes. Five bags of clothes went to Goodwill and now our closet is organized and fresh looking. I’m proud to say that my husband participated also – on his own will – and donated a lot of items. I usually go through our closet every few months and reorganize all of his stuff, but he did that while he was purging. I came home to a completely put together closet and it is amazing! I also cleaned and organized our pantry. I’m a little embarrassed / surprised that I had a container of soup in there from 2008. Everything else had an expiration date of 2013 or 2014, so I feel a little better about that. I’m happy about the start to 2015 and that I already got a head start. Now it’s not so overwhelming.
- I’ve been on vacation since December 18. I suck at vacation. I never used to, but at some point I got so busy at work that I didn’t have time to really take vacation. With a little over two weeks off at work, my brain went back-and-forth about setting myself up with a zero inbox when January came around OR walking away from the emails until January. Quite honestly, technology picked for me. I had to leave my computer at work so I could back it up. {After the Apple Genius recovered my emails, I was definitely making sure I got a backup in!} Since it wasn’t my choice, I monitored and answered from my phone. All of a sudden I got this excited feeling – could I turn off my email notifications and not check my email?! Well. I turned them off on Tuesday, December 23. I checked my email once yesterday and once today. I deleted all kinds of spam and I closed the app without turning my notifications back on. I’m going to leave it off and re-prioritize my work-life balance a little. I’m running myself thin doing it all. While it’s been ok for now, I’m still able to focus on my family, self, and work, I need to reevaluate and decide if I’m ok with the busy pace.
It’s been a good year, but I can’t say that I’m sad to see it go. I feel like I ended the year in a better mental state than I started. {Hello, 2013 was the year of no sleep.} Even though Quinten hasn’t been sleeping much over break because of a cold, we’re in a pretty good place on Leger Lane. The children may have some days where they spend more time in time-out than playing with each other, but we’ve got that down to a science. {It’s all about the consistency. Can I get an Amen?!} I know it’s going to be a long winter, but we’re going to see what we can do about enjoying it and playing with our new toys!
Here’s to 2015 being everything you want and need!
